Subscribe
Why I Write About Ethiopia
ROCHESTER, MN—“Why the hell are you messing with my country’s political affairs?” goes a typical e-mail from the dozens I’ve received this summer from readers living in Ethiopia, from immigrants living in Minnesota, and from throughout the Ethiopian diaspora.
And this was among the milder messages to ping my inbox.
To a degree I’ve never before experienced as a journalist, articles I’m publishing about human rights abuses in Ethiopia—based on interviews with Ethiopian immigrants living here in Minnesota—have triggered profusely grateful e-mails, and yet also a torrent of messages scorching me with bitter denunciations, extremely pungent abuse and amorphous threats.
“You are only spreading hate,” an Ethiopian reader snapped after reading an article about the Ethiopian army wiping out entire villages in the country’s Ogaden region. On Ethiopian web sites around the Internet, my articles are bashed as often as they’re lauded.
To admirers, my writings make me a “hero,” a “journalist of integrity” and “a voice for the voiceless.” But to others I’m a “very sad,” “naïve” and “mediocre” journalist who is “fed by propaganda” churned out by bitter Ethiopian refugees. To detractors my pieces are “nonsense,” “rubbish” and “eye-gouging lies.”
To my detractors my pieces are “nonsense,” “rubbish” and “eye-gouging lies.”
Sometimes, it’s scary to scan my inbox.
“I was shocked when I read your article,” one e-mailer wrote. “You will be held accountable for your lies.” And I’ve read Web site comments in which readers from various Ethiopian ethnic groups, responding to my articles, attack each other using language so violent that I won’t repeat it here.
How to respond to all this? On the one hand, I completely reject the notes that use language simply to slash, bash or stab another person as if with machetes, clubs and spears. These aren’t conversations, but armed assaults.
On the other hand, behind the frustrated tone in many of the notes, I discern eminently sensible and fair questions. These come from people who’ve grown cynical after decades of manipulation by their governments and by both the U.S. and Ethiopian media, and they deserve sincere answers.
Answers to questions such as: All right, why the hell do I mess with Ethiopia’s domestic affairs, anyway?
After all, I am not Ethiopian. I don’t speak any of Ethiopia’s six or seven major languages, or its several dozen smaller ones. I’m fascinated by the country’s complex history, politics and culture, but I’ve only traveled there once, in 2004, on a reporting trip, and stayed for less than a week.
Plus, as my aggrieved readers take pains to tell me, my own country is hardly a shining paragon when it comes to human rights.
So what gives me—a citizen of the nation that brought us the Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Haditha and other atrocities—the slightest right to parade Ethiopia’s human rights crimes before the world?
To those who’ve written to me in the spirit of a mutually respectful conversation, as opposed to a broken-bottle brawl, I’ll try to explain.
All right, why the hell do I mess with Ethiopia’s domestic affairs, anyway?
Basically, I believe that writing about human rights in Ethiopia, even while I remain living in Minnesota, is potentially useful and journalistically defensible for three main reasons.
First, Minnesota and Ethiopia are intricately linked by our cultures, histories, economics and politics. I don’t accept that they are distant or unrelated in any significant way. For example, take the simple fact that for the past several decades, Ethiopians have been immigrating to Minnesota to escape persecution by their own government. What is that if not a profound relationship?
Some 20,000 Ethiopian immigrants now live in the state, which has one of the largest and most politically active Ethiopian diasporas in the world.
So my articles, in a sense, simply report on what I see and hear right here in my home state of Minnesota. I talk to Ethiopian immigrants about what they are hearing from their friends and loved ones back home. Honestly, I not only hear stories about human rights abuses in Ethiopia in these interviews, but I feel the deep trauma that has followed immigrants all the way to Minnesota, as they rebuild their lives.
As for accounts of Ethiopian government oppression that I gather, I try to verify them through multiple interviews, through global e-mails and telephone calls, Internet research, and so on.
At the national level, too, America and Ethiopia are profoundly linked. For example, many of the same emailers who lecture me to “mind my own country’s business,” also take pains to remind me, correctly, that America is a major foreign aid donor to Ethiopia—including military aid to help build, support and train an army that enforces violent policies against Ethiopian citizens. This implicates every American citizen, I would argue, very directly in Ethiopian government policies that increase suffering.
Our two countries are also closely connected economically. Many U.S. corporations—including Mobil, Starbucks, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Hilton Hotels, Eveready Batteries, and Ernst & Young—do business in Ethiopia. Ethiopian tourism benefits from American visitors, and the country’s main export, coffee, rests largely on sales to the gigantic U.S. coffee market.
I am a human rights journalist. By this I simply mean that I subscribe to the idea of human rights, that all human beings have the right to live free from abuse, cruelty and oppression.
With our two countries interdependent in so many ways, how could anyone sustain the argument for journalistic quarantine to my home state?
Second, I am a human rights journalist. By this I simply mean that I subscribe to the idea of human rights, that all human beings have the right to live free from abuse, cruelty and oppression. I try to create journalism that contributes to the support and expansion of global human rights.
I believe the development of human rights is one of the rare bright spots in recent human history. It offers precious evidence of mankind’s moral progress, against a great deal of evidence supporting the opposite view.
One way that journalists can help sustain human rights progress, I believe, is by morally engaging with people who live in countries at great distances from their own. Theoretically, this should be more possible than ever today, with so many new technological means to communicate across borders.
To a large degree, I view my journalism about Ethiopia as an effort to define, develop and refine the skills of global moral engagement.
But all that sounds very abstract.
The most important reason that I write stories about human rights abuses in Ethiopia isn’t about theories of interdependence or human rights.
As a journalist, I just feel it’s my job.
Douglas McGill has reported for the New York Times and Bloomberg News—and now the Daily Planet.
To reach Douglas McGill: doug@mcgillreport.org
And visit The McGill Report
Comments
I wish every one approaches
I wish every one approaches problems that we are facing all over the world in such simpler way and from human perspective instead of interests. Then the world would be a very pleasant place to live in.
Thank you douglas.
Why I live in Minnesota and write about Ethiopia
Hi Doug
Funny article you just churned out, I don’t really blame you for writing what you write. At the end of the day you calling it as you see it regardless of the granularity of truth in the matter. The human rights propaganda that is currently going on is something that has to be lived in to be believed of its existence. With most of the countries that have rightly been branded as human right abusers have one thing in common, which is a long cultural history based on religious conviction and social status, that is something difficult to change. Ethiopia, China, India, the whole of the middle east, to an extent Russia, but in most of those countries its really easy to over look that fact as they are world powers pushing forward economically so it’s easy to say it’s just the way they are. As bad as the publicity Ethiopia is currently getting economically it is blossoming and I do believe that eventually this will be swept under the rug of labor dependent western countries. As for those people you have interviewed who have fled Ethiopia because of “Human rights issues” I would really like to know what had happen to them because well I know that they probably were not even important enough to be perused by the government, a distinction should be made between looking for a better opportunity and I was a victim of human rights abuse in my home country of Ethiopia.
Thanks
J.
You forgot 12 million Native Indians extermination by Whites
When you talk about Human rights abuses by America, you mentioned less than 1%, by stating only
“Iraq war, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Haditha and other atrocities” well, what about the 12 million native americans exterminated by white americans?? and the indirect crimes by america that armed (in some cases actively supported, by sending forces) various rogue pro-US, Latin american regimes in 20th century, effectively participating in massacres and genocides by the regimes? and what about slavery?? lynching?the endless killing and torturing of separatist blacks in america to effectively empower a pro-white peaceful blacks like MLK to perpertuate the illegally and inhumanely founded nation we call America? trully, whites are essentially an ongoing occupation force in america after the genocide of the native indians.but the american economy has survived this inhumanely established state. now, how can any anti-US ethnic nation in america try to separate from the richest country in the world?? trully american state is lucky to be successful economically. this success has made the country peaceful. but it won’t last, especially if the economy keeps falling. After a few years, riots and choas will happen and america will feel insecure in general. Then impoverished minorities will rise up and US government would be forced to spy on its citizens and crackdown violently like ethiopia and others are doing;. Actually the spying part has already started in America but the others will continue.
The honeymoon of america being the judge of our world will be over when the once powerful american gov moral authority that had masked its inhumane genocidal establishment will disappear.
until then, let us enjoy the ride. the famous line “its the economy stupid!” can’t be more right. if it wasn’t for america’s economy success, all its brutal past and recent history and ongoing inequalities would have been a fuel for endless civil war, liberation wars and choas in america.
unfortunately, america has the best economy and every thing i said above is of no interest to average americans. Not yet atleast.
Go go McGill
In today’s ever biased and often times muzzled media world, the voice of courageous journalists like you is commendable. As an Ethiopian citized I owe you for writing about human rights in Ethiopia.
Never forget it is your duty of care as such and never get discouraged by the inundation of barrages from minorities who uphold tyrrany.
Keep up the good work and never forget the trueth shall win,
Don't be destracted
Hi Doug,
Your stories have been sheding light on the crimes against humanity and the human rights abuses in Ethiopia. As you have noticed already, those who support a minority led dictatorial government who has one of the worst record when it comes to human rights, are paid agents who wouldn’t leave no stone unturned. They even go great distance to lie about what goes on by acting like they are Oromos themselves and happy with the government. The truth is, they know now the whole world is learning about all the persecution, starvation, oppression, exploitation of Oromos due to the political and economic disparities followed by the current Ethiopian government. And they also know they are losing their grip on power that is why they are shooting back and fighting viciously.
My advice to you is, please don’t be destracted by their little game that they have mastered on their opposition. Keep on exposing them and keep on letting the world know what is really going on.
We Oromos thank you for your remarkable work.
God Bless You!
Respectfully,
Your reader
support for the job well done!!!!!!!
Why I live in Minnesota and write about Ethiopia
Mr Doug, the work you done for Ethiopian will not gonna be forgotten and stay in every Ethiopian heart .keep your good work us usually you do . Your give for voiceless a voice and God bless you for YOUR GOOD WORK.
Minsota how many of
Thank you for writing about Ethiopia
Dear Mr McGill,
Thank you for writing about Ethiopia. I agree with most what you said here. But please remove that ugly flag from your article. It is not Ethiopian flag. It is a symbol of the brutal regime that is terrorizing the people of Ethiopia with the full knowledge, acquiescence and financial backing of the U.S. government.
Regards,
Elias Kifle
ethiopianreview.com
Dear McGill. Thank you
Dear McGill.
Thank you for continuously exposing the atrocities and genocides committed by Ethiopian regime in Ogaden, Oromia, Gambella and other parts of Ethiopia. Gross human rights violations against innocent people by Ethiopia regime is indisputable, this regime is practicing inhuman, ruthless and unlawful acts on people.
It is about time someone sheds light on tortures, killings, gang raping women and children, burning down villages to ground, imprisonment, blocking international aid groups and preventing any world media to document horrible acts being done by this regime.
Please continue exposing human rights violations in Ethiopian, there are thousands of us out there who follow you articles because they revealed the truth and dirty secrets of this regime.
As a human rights journalist you are doing what you supposed to do and you are the VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS!
Thank you
Reader from Ogaden
Great job!!
Dear Mr. McGill,
I personally respect your job as a human rights journalist. It is a lot of achievement to develop a sense of universalism of humanity that you’ve already developed.
I think, the fact that your articles attract several comments is a good sign that you are writing effectively. And this effective articles can surely create unhappiness in some people who have vested interest to control the free flow of information and ideas to make this world a better place. But the majority of Ethiopian are standing with you.
So, put on some patience as you go along until we see donor countries wake up and stop supporting a regime that terrorizes its own people into submission.
Steve
Fact is, one cannot discuss
Fact is, one cannot discuss about a politics related issue without touching some sensitive nerves in some pupils. In the end, the discussion has a greater importance. Keep doing what you are doing, i certainly welcome it. Einstein once said “Achievers achieve, while laggrds lag”, ok maybe i asid that. But it is a fact.
I was with you until I read
I was with you until I read the part about how you get your information before writing on Ethiopia’s Human Right issues. I’m not sure interviewing other Ethiopians who clearly have issues with the current government, and also other complicated issues including being an “Ethiopian” itself can be beneficial to you with your credibility as a journalist. I’m in no position to insult your intelligence but I advise you to not rely on only from interviews you do with other “Ethiopians” who live in the same city as you do. one quick fact to point out is that Minneapolis is heavily dominated by Ethiopians who are from the “Oromo” ethnic group (which historically is a group that has unfortunately suffered many atrocities by other ethnic group within Ethiopia in the past, mainly by the Amhara ethnic group, and many of it’s members currently seek a separation from the rest of the country, and understandably so) I’m clearly not implying that they’re bad or good (after all I’m an Ethiopian with mixed ethnic heritage that openly celebrates the diversity of my people, so I really have no hidden agenda here) but trying to help you to put things in perspective.
I’m not denying the fact that Human Rights abuse exists in Ethiopia but I would like for you to keep in mind and insure that you’re not being used to spread political messages without even being aware of it. I’m sure your heart is in the right place and your duty as a journalist is the driving factor in writing your articles, but I also believe that putting facts to back up a piece is also crucial when writing an article. in a nation that has an outrageous news organization like Fox News, it’s no surprise that many people would be skeptical about what any other journalist writes on the internet about a place he doesn’t really know and understand, and from a place that is thousands of miles away in a comfort of his own home with his Bose surrounded sound system. also I’m not sure if a citizen of the United States can claim to have any moral high ground in such issues but that’s besides the point. when it comes to our people, our nation’s history is very complex and it takes more than a “less than a week” visit to even get a grasp of it. not considering those facts when writing a piece is one of the reasons why many Ethiopians might find your articles troubling and at times even offensive.
with that said, I haven’t read many of your articles to pass judgment, but if most of what you’ve written is to be true and unbiased then I applaud your courage and honesty in telling a story that needs to be heard, and also in your effort to give voice to the voiceless. keep up the good work, but makes sure it is indeed the right work.
Michael,
a truth seeking Ethiopian
“I’m fascinated by the
“I’m fascinated by the country’s complex history, politics and culture, but I’ve only traveled there once, in 2004, on a reporting trip, and stayed for less than a week.” – yet you try to teach us about human rights from camp Minnesota, that magical land 3,000 miles far/up in the sky :0
Mr Douglas McGill – I find you to be someone with no journalistic standard, pompous, condescending and offensive.
What you practice, desimination of propoganda and lies, is neither journalism or promotion of human rights !!! in any sense of the word. A self admitted outsider and novice of Ethiopian history and politics, you have the outrageous audacity to claim interviewing refugees and emailing from Minnesota qualifies you as a serious journalist – no, a humanitarian journalist is racist, condescending, insulting and just outright disgusting. At best, your writings might qualify as exotic/adventure fiction of the politically incorrect past years Ala Tarzan lore. I don’t doubt you get adoration from many refuges. You serve as an outlet and parrot to their outrages lies – but the fact is virtually all of them are economic migrants and not survivors of genocide or political refugees or torture victims. Even if one tenth of the said atrocities were true, Ethiopia, or for that matter any country, would not be able to function as a state. The Ethiopian people have lived in harmonious cooperation and peace. Ethnic, language and religious diversity is celebrated and practiced as no other time in the nations history.
Unfortunately, a distressing number of Ethiopian diaspora spend their time immersed in coffee house chitchat and internet blogging while ignorant of the simplest facts on politics, governance, etc – to those of my country men, I say if you are interested in politics, please, please first know what you are talking about – take classes in civics, government, law. Then, and only then can you contribute to the betterment of your country!! Otherwise, all the talks from Minnesota, and shindigs with orientalist journalist of McGill ilk would not bring you power in Ethiopia.
A proud Ethiopian Oromo
P.S> some of the comments are funny – “human perspective instead of interests” – were you looking for Martian perspective instead !!!:)
“every ethiopian heart “ — haha, stop – please stop
did this guy just said that
did this guy just said that he gets his information about Ethiopia from other Ethiopians who left their country after wining a visa lottery that was awarded to them by the U.S government? Is he serious? I think that’s just an insult to real journalism. I for one amazed by the arrogance of white men, how can you think you know a country that has more than 3000 years of history after visitng it for less than a week? These liberal hippies are worse than their southern cousins. At least with the southerners we know who we’re dealing with. at least do a research before writing your story instead of relying on an interview from other Ethiopians who left their country voluntairly. It’s even more hilarious when a white American talks about human rights. Your country was founded on by spilling the blood of others, and to our surprise it hasn’t changed it’s ways in hunderds of years. how about you try to write an article on Bush? and you’ve got some nerve to talk about human rights, decency and kindness. How pathetic. you write about others from the comfort of your home and from over 3000 miles away, how American of you. Let me guess, you’re the kind of white guy that worries about humanity but is quick to call the police when you see a black guy walking by in your gated neighborhood.
think you McGill, when
think you McGill, when little people can’t speak for themselve big heart people like your self speak for them. when the world is so busy dealing with supperpower for nansense small people like your self stands for forgotten people like the Oromos. “Unjust in ethiopia, unjust in world, mlk” therefore you speak.
keep up the good work!!!
i am really grateful for mr mcgills efforts to bring issues regarding ethiopia to light, as there are extreme human rights violations in a country dominated by one ethnic group( tigre at the moment predeccessors to amhara) so tyrranical and dictatorial the nation state of ethiopia is headed for turmoil. ethiopians there is no need to deny the shortcomings of your goverment, it is quite evident that ethiopia is a rogue nation, many publications by human rights watch, amnesty internationals and NGO’s have reported serious abuses being comitted by your goverment…and dont discard this because there is evidence to prove all these happenings….the most serious cases have occured in the ogaden populated by ethnic somali’s where the ethiopian goverment has committed horrific crimes from RAPE TO COLD BLOODED murder there is no hiding this…please stop the whining,,, i dont want to get on to details of these crimes the magnitude of it so alarming, however i do say this this ethiopian goverment is a ticking timebomb ready to demise and explode soon enough because people are tired from domination and discrimination from northern ethiopians…there is no need to criticize america atleast it protects its citizens you dont see them shooting people in the streets and showcasing for the public to see so they are warned of a similar fate this is characteristic of ethiopian military brutality. there is also a fact that many ethiopians think the accusation against the current goverment are fabricated they need to get with reality because soon it will catch up to them and they will be the victims so they must demand there goverment to stop its horrific crime because as i mentioned tommorrow someonelse will gain power and do the same as is traditional in ethiopian history. watch ethiopia very carefully as it crumbles befor our eyes, this day is coming and OH LORD what a day it will be for millions of people hypernating in hopeless despair ,forgotten, this will be there day it will also be the day where the somali’s take revenge as it did before and this time the ethiopian empire will dissolve never to arise again. This is not hate but fact.
Human right
be always be the voice of voice less.
We OROMIA STUDENT UNION at UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA have always admired you….............
peace Douglas McGill.
Post new comment